By Police1 Staff
PHILADELPHIA — Black Lives Matter protesters gathered in front of an officer’s home Thursday in response to a fatal police shooting earlier this month that involved a struggle over the suspect’s gun.
Officer Ryan Pownall pulled over David Jones on June 8 after he saw Jones driving a dirtbike erratically in the street, Metro News reported. A struggle ensued over a gun in Jones’ waistband, according to police. A witness told police he saw Jones’ weapon fall to the sidewalk before Jones fled and Pownell opened fire. Jones died shortly after.
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Protesters posted “wanted” signs on poles near Pownall’s house as they gathered there Thursday. A line of LEOs formed to protect Pownall’s home and to separate protesters from the officer. No arrests were made.
In a statement, the mayor condemned the protest, saying it did nothing to move police and community relations forward. He also thanked police and said they “peacefully defused” the event.
“There are many Philadelphians and officers who are productively working to build police-community trust, including pushing for transparency and reform which Commissioner Ross and I both agree must continue,” the mayor said. “What happened last night did nothing to move those efforts forward.”
The shooting is currently being investigated by the Attorney General’s office.